Basketball Game Preview: Leland Panthers vs. Earlville Red Raiders

Leland is on a three-game streak of home losses, Earlville a five-game streak of away losses dating back to last season, but someone's luck will change on Tuesday. The Leland Panthers will host the Earlville Red Raiders at 7:00 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

It was a proper cat-fight when Leland took on Lowpoint-Washburn on Thursday. Leland lost to Lowpoint-Washburn at home by a 61-46 margin.

Meanwhile, Earlville came up short against Hinckley-Big Rock on Friday, falling 73-48. While losing is never fun, the Red Raiders can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 678th, while the Royals are ranked 279th).

Earlville's loss dropped their record down to 4-14. As for Leland, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-9.

Leland was dealt a bruising 77-37 loss at the hands of Earlville in their previous meeting back in January of 2024. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point Leland was down 46-15.